TBH, I don’t either Betty! Istria is a forgotten part of Italy. What was once Istria is now mostly Croatia, with parts in Slovenia and a tiny nugget in Italy. My mother was born in what was then known as Pola, an area annexed by Italy in 1920. It’s making me think that this is a great topic for a post.
And the book is simply beautiful. Flipping through it again this morning, I’m reminded that it has more recipes than I gave it credit for plus so much excellent information not just about ingredients, but different regions of Italy, historical figures etc. It a lovely addition to any cookbook library!
Another great post with recommendations for every Italian food lover.
I didn't know your mom was born in Istria. Such a beautiful part of the Adriatic. Tiny but mighty. The language spoken there is as interesting as the food.
You'll have to try my cabbage rolls. They are a winter staple in Bosnia.
You had me at stuffed cabbage rolls Elizabeth. Anna del Conti did for the UK what Marcella Hazan did for the US. Did you know she worked in Marcella’s second cookbooks UK version?
Excellent post Elizabeth and so refreshing to see you honouring wisdom we already have access to without filling our lives shelves with too many more.
I must admit to recently squeezing in Good Things and Helen Goh’s baking book.
I don’t blame you Lisa—I am a huge fan of Samin Nosrat and I love to bake so I wouldn’t be surprised if those two creep onto my shelf in the near future 🤓.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post; I am very happy to have you as a reader here. I had no idea that Anna and Marcella collaborated. But no surprise given their incredible talents.
And I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next chapter of your amazing Substack! 💕
Cabbage rolls! The recipe looks amazing. They are my forever dinner winners. Loved reading this write up. Istria is on my list to read, Now that you recommend it. I have to.
You will love the book—full of personal stories along with the recipes. I have never been to that part of the world and my sister and I have long wanted to go. Plus the cabbage rolls are awesome! 😊
I have a soft spot for Bocca di lupo. My husband took me there when we first got together. It was the most expensive meal we'd ever had at the time and he was very nervous about the cheque!
We went again for our 1st wedding anniversary. So glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you Michelle! If you love Italian cuisine I highly recommend the Gastronomy of Italy—there aren’t a lot of recipes but it’s a wonderful resource.
Oh I do! Thank you for that tip. My family (Riccio) is from the Campania region. I treated myself to Ada Boni's Italian Regional Cooking for my birthday this summer. I'm adding this to my wish list. Sounds wonderful.
Those stuffed cabbage rolls sound amazing. Being Italian, your book recommendations made me happy, of course :) and I really loved Laurie Colwin’s quote. Thanks for sharing.
So interesting about Istria! I don’t know much about that area and now am so curious. And I love the cover of that cookbook!
TBH, I don’t either Betty! Istria is a forgotten part of Italy. What was once Istria is now mostly Croatia, with parts in Slovenia and a tiny nugget in Italy. My mother was born in what was then known as Pola, an area annexed by Italy in 1920. It’s making me think that this is a great topic for a post.
And the book is simply beautiful. Flipping through it again this morning, I’m reminded that it has more recipes than I gave it credit for plus so much excellent information not just about ingredients, but different regions of Italy, historical figures etc. It a lovely addition to any cookbook library!
The Laurie Colwin quote is perfect! Just beautifully captures how we are drawn to family legacy and history through the dishes we create and consume
Isn’t it? I love her writing.
Cabbage rolls? Yummy. Looks like a wonderful recipe Elizabeth. We make them every autumn and will definitely try this.
That must be one of Charlie’s favourites! Love you, girlfriend 💕
Another great post with recommendations for every Italian food lover.
I didn't know your mom was born in Istria. Such a beautiful part of the Adriatic. Tiny but mighty. The language spoken there is as interesting as the food.
You'll have to try my cabbage rolls. They are a winter staple in Bosnia.
Thank you Amela 💕I need to go there one day.
I would love to try your cabbage rolls! Next time you are here come over and we will cook together. How fun would that be??
I'm in!
You had me at stuffed cabbage rolls Elizabeth. Anna del Conti did for the UK what Marcella Hazan did for the US. Did you know she worked in Marcella’s second cookbooks UK version?
Excellent post Elizabeth and so refreshing to see you honouring wisdom we already have access to without filling our lives shelves with too many more.
I must admit to recently squeezing in Good Things and Helen Goh’s baking book.
I don’t blame you Lisa—I am a huge fan of Samin Nosrat and I love to bake so I wouldn’t be surprised if those two creep onto my shelf in the near future 🤓.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post; I am very happy to have you as a reader here. I had no idea that Anna and Marcella collaborated. But no surprise given their incredible talents.
And I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next chapter of your amazing Substack! 💕
Cabbage rolls! The recipe looks amazing. They are my forever dinner winners. Loved reading this write up. Istria is on my list to read, Now that you recommend it. I have to.
You will love the book—full of personal stories along with the recipes. I have never been to that part of the world and my sister and I have long wanted to go. Plus the cabbage rolls are awesome! 😊
Oh this is lovely!
I have a soft spot for Bocca di lupo. My husband took me there when we first got together. It was the most expensive meal we'd ever had at the time and he was very nervous about the cheque!
We went again for our 1st wedding anniversary. So glad you enjoyed it.
And these other books too! Beautiful 😍
Thanks Shell! 💕
Thanks for introducing me to these lovely cookbooks—they all sound like treasures. And I can’t wait to try those cabbage rolls!
So so good!
Delighted these are all new to me. Feels like Christmas morning! Such a beautiful share. Thank you! ☺️
Thank you Michelle! If you love Italian cuisine I highly recommend the Gastronomy of Italy—there aren’t a lot of recipes but it’s a wonderful resource.
Oh I do! Thank you for that tip. My family (Riccio) is from the Campania region. I treated myself to Ada Boni's Italian Regional Cooking for my birthday this summer. I'm adding this to my wish list. Sounds wonderful.
I love that Ada Boni cookbook!
BRING BACK THE COUNTDOWN!!!
😂🤓 Your request duly noted!
Stunning book covers to boot!
The Gastronomy of Italy is a great book! And yes, gorgeous.
Those stuffed cabbage rolls sound amazing. Being Italian, your book recommendations made me happy, of course :) and I really loved Laurie Colwin’s quote. Thanks for sharing.
They are delicious! We were always so happy when my mother made cabbage rolls, and these are very similar to hers.